Community rallies around Jackson 8th grader on a Halloween mission

JACKSON, Mo. (KBSI) – One Jackson 8th grader is making sure every kid in his school feels included this Halloween.

While many eighth graders are planning their Halloween costumes, Jackson Junior High student Benny Arends was making sure every kid at his school would get a sweet treat. 

Bennys mother shares that Benny has worked odd jobs all year round to make money to purchase 1,ooo candy bars.

Benny went to his local Rhodes gas station last week and started buying candy bars. When they found out why he was buying so many Rhodes decided to donate. Word spread quickly and within days, local businesses, neighbors and community members stepped up to donate, so much so that he expanded his reach to the Jackson Middle School with a new goal of 1800 candy bars. 

“So, every year I hand out candy bars in the hallway, but I realized that I was missing some students, and some people were getting extra. So I’ve always done it just to put a smile on their face, because it may just be a candy bar to some people, and to some people it may mean a lot more” says Arends.

Benny shares he is now just a few hundred candy bars away from his second goal! He says he can’t believe how quickly his small idea gained initiative and support from his community.

“So, a whole bunch of people supported me. I want to thank everybody that’s helped for all the support” says Arends.

Benny says he has one goal…

“I just want to make sure everybody gets one!” 

If you’d like to show support donate here: Amazon.com